230 jobs could be lost at Boulby Potash Mine

Cleveland Potash Limited has today advanced a proposal that potash production at its Boulby mine is expected to end in six months’ time as the transition to the mining of polyhalite is completed.

Ceasing potash production is likely to result in the loss of a significant number of jobs and the Company says it is beginning consultation with its trade unions regarding the implications.

Today the company’s acting Managing Director, Andrew Fulton, stressed that the move to polyhalite was vital to secure the mine’s future and that despite the anticipated job losses, it would remain East Cleveland’s biggest employer.

The Boulby mine is the world’s only producer of polyhalite, marketed as Polysulphate, which is a multi-nutrient fertiliser containing sulphur, in addition to potassium, magnesium and calcium. Today Mr Fulton said that the Company would have an initial production target of one million tonnes.

He explained “When we first announced our restructuring plans two years ago, we made it clear that potash reserves were close to the end and, at the point when they were exhausted, we would make the transition to polyhalite production, with the inevitable impact on our workforce levels”.

“At this stage, it is not possible to be precise regarding the numbers involved. We are committed to keeping job losses to a minimum and will be discussing the implications with our trade union. However, job losses could be in the region of 230.”

“We understand that this will be a difficult time for our workforce and their families. However, with the end of potash production, we have to concentrate on polyhalite production in order to ensure that we remain a viable business and are able to continue to make a major contribution to the local economy."

Here's what Councillor Sue Jeffrey, Leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has had to say:

“We are devastated by this announcement. This news is a real blow to our communities and my thoughts are with everyone affected by today's announcement. We are just beginning to recover from the closure of SSI just over two years ago and again we are in a position where we will be seeing hundreds of people forced out of work and facing huge uncertainty.

"As a council we will work with ICL and Trade Unions to do everything we can to support the local communities and the workers who have lost their jobs and have had their lives turned upside down.